Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Ryan Giggs' `sensational' performance as Manchester United emerged from their fortnight from hell to land a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Tottenham.

It was their first home league win since January and their first clean sheet for 10 games.

But while the new-found defensive resolve that kept Spurs at bay will provide much-needed confidence ahead of back-to-back meetings with Arsenal, it was Giggs who stole the show.

The long-serving Welshman scored the opener and set up David Bellion for an injury-time third after Cristiano Ronaldo's goal.

"On that form, Ryan is a sensational player," said Ferguson. "He has spent 14 years running up and down that left wing and maybe we expect too much of him at times.

"You have to take into account the injuries he has had and the amount of rehabilitation he has had to do. It really takes it out of you, which is why I am so pleased with his performance today."

Ferguson also pitched skipper Roy Keane into the fray, even though the Irishman is still not fully over his hamstring trouble.

"We felt we had a chance today and I thought United were getting nervous at times in the second half," said Spurs boss David Pleat. "But Roy Keane was so important for them. He has so much character and he wanted the ball in the second half."